November 9th, 2009
Hello all. I’ve been looking for a new gaming laptop for a month or so, and my searches brought me here a few weeks ago. I finally decided to make one of these threads in hope I might find some help/clarification.
General Questions
1) What is your budget?
2) What size notebook would you prefer?
e. Desktop Replacement; 17″+ screen
4) Are there any brands that you prefer or any you really don’t like?
a. Like: Gateway, I’ve had good experiences with their computers.
b. Dislike: Toshiba, have has several problems owning two of theirs.
5) Would you consider laptops that are refurbished/redistributed?
6) What are the primary tasks will you be performing with this notebook?
7) Will you be taking the notebook with you to different places, leaving it on your desk or both?
Will you be playing games on it; if so, which games or types of games?
9) How many hours of battery life do you need?
10) Would you prefer to see the notebooks you’re considering before purchasing it or buying a notebook on-line without seeing it is OK?
11) What OS do you prefer? Windows (XP or Vista or Windows 7), Mac OS, Linux, etc.
Windows 7.
Posted in Laptops | 5 Comments »
October 28th, 2009
A SECURITY expert has found a way hackers could take control of Apple computers and steal protected data.
The technique – dubbed “Machiavelli” – only works on machines that have already been victimized, such as ones attacked with pirated software.
It can take control of Apple’s Safari browser, logging passwords to financial accounts and data on bank statements.
Prominent Mac researcher Dino Dai Zovi disclosed the software flaw at the Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas.
About 4000 security professionals are in attendance, including some who are really hackers. Black Hat runs immediately prior to the Defcon conference, a meeting that includes malicious hackers who often go by screen names rather than real ones.
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
October 23rd, 2009
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) or processor is the portion of a computer system that carries out the instructions of a computer program, and is the primary element carrying out the computer’s functions. This term has been in use in the computer industry at least since the early 1960s (Weik 2007). The form, design and implementation of CPUs have changed dramatically since the earliest examples, but their fundamental operation remains much the same.
Early CPUs were custom-designed as a part of a larger, sometimes one-of-a-kind, computer. However, this costly method of designing custom CPUs for a particular application has largely given way to the development of mass-produced processors that are made for one or many purposes. This standardization trend generally began in the era of discrete transistor mainframes and minicomputers and has rapidly accelerated with the popularization of the integrated circuit (IC). The IC has allowed increasingly complex CPUs to be designed and manufactured to tolerances on the order of nanometers. Both the miniaturization and standardization of CPUs have increased the presence of these digital devices in modern life far beyond the limited application of dedicated computing machines. Modern microprocessors appear in everything from automobiles to cell phones and children’s toys.
Source: wikipedia
Posted in CPU | No Comments »
October 16th, 2009
Replacing a desktop computer with a laptop system immediately makes ones purchase more customized. As a laptop user you will be looking at mobility without sacrificing much of the hardware that would come with a desktop.
I recently gave this viewpoint much consideration when a couple asked me what laptop would be the best for them. They wanted computing flexibility to fit their diverse lifestyles, he is in sales and she is a writer with toddler in tow. She wants to use a laptop when she is about town, and also wanted something portable for around the house when she is with her child.
Adjectives used to describes laptop computers today are thin, light, mobile, loaded, portable. Weight is a big issue among mobile professionals. If you have ever traveled with a laptop you’ll quickly find out why.
If you simply use Word documents, check e-mail and surf the Web, a mainstream notebook will do.
Most people looking to replace the desktop system don’t want to sacrifice the “essential” robust qualities that they have become accustomed to: high-end processing unit, abundance of RAM, hard drive space and an assortment of necessary peripherals.
With price being no consideration, look for a computer with high-end components. Dual Core processor, 160 to 250GB hard drive, 2GB to 4GB of RAM. This will be costly, but it is mainly a starting point to scale down from.
The beauty of computing is the plethora of options. If you are running games or doing editing you will need more RAM. Consider online storage if you don’t think you need a large hard drive. Additionally, keep in mind that a larger screen will consume more battery power.
Hopefully these pointers will give you some guidance and flexibility when searching for a desktop replacement. Just as you should strive for high-end components, keep in mind that you don’t need everything. Just remember you can’t have everything so budget accordingly.
Posted in Desktops, Laptops | 1 Comment »
October 14th, 2009
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »